Ward 4 voters shunned in democratic process

To the Editor:

 The audience at Wednesday’s League of Women Voters Candidates Forum had the prospect to listen to all the candidates of the city’s contested races -- well most of the candidates.  I for one, a candidate for Ward 4 Alderman, was not afforded the opportunity to participate because the League requires at least two candidates to hold a forum.

 This of course was the result of the incumbent Ward 4 Alderman Robert Boisselle’s lack of attendance. I understand there are times when all of us have conflicts with particular events and I am not saying that Mr. Boisselle didn’t have a good reason to miss. However, the result is the same: the people of Ward 4 were the only voters in the city shunned in the democratic process, denied the opportunity to hear from the candidates in a contested race. I would have liked the opportunity to discuss some issues.

 On smart growth, I would have said the concerns of neighbors have to be included in planning decisions about mixed residential and commercial properties along the commuter rail. I would have liked to discuss the overlay zoning issues that Melrose is facing.

 What are the incumbent’s thoughts concerning the future development at Deering Lumber, and the rest of the corridor along Cedar Park and Tremont Street?

 I would have liked to have heard from the incumbent and I assume the voters in Ward 4 would as well. Maybe we can sit down and publicly share our thoughts with Ward 4’s residents soon.

 As I visit people at their homes throughout Ward 4, one of the recurrent queries is “who is the Ward Alderman?” I would like to think if elected Ward 4 Alderman, Melrose won’t need to ask.

Sincerely,

Bruce Carmichael Ward 4 Alderman Candidate